Norman Merry, finance director at UK post-production house and film equity investor LipSync Post, has died aged 63.
He had been diagnosed with cancer in late 2024 and died in London on Sunday (June 8).
Merry had worked at Soho-based LipSync for nearly 27 years, helping to finance hundreds of UK films including We Need To Talk About Kevin and Nowhere Boy as well as more recent titles such as Oscar-winner The Brutalist, current release Tornado and the upcoming Moss & Freud.
A statement from LipSync said: “Norman was truly one of a kind — larger than life, full of heart, endlessly sharp, and always up for a laugh. Come rain or shine, you’d find him in his signature shorts and Hawaiian shirts.
“His contribution to independent film was immense. Norman played a vital role in financing countless projects — some of which may never have made it to the screen without his passion, creativity, and unwavering belief in filmmakers. He truly loved what he did, and he thrived on helping others make their stories a reality.
“And as fate would have it, Norman finally got to see his beloved Newcastle United lift a trophy. There are so many memories, so many stories — and all of them remind us just how special he was. We’ll miss you terribly, Big Man. Rest easy, Normski.”
LipSync, which was owned by Merry and managing director Peter Hampden through parent company Glenthorp Ltd, recently entered administration but told Screen it was “business as usual” during the process, with the announcement of a sale expected soon.
Born on December 31, 1961, Merry began his career in media finance at EMI Records, then moved to PWL Records – aka Stock Aitken & Waterman – during their height of fame when they produced hits by Rick Astley, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, amongst many others.
LipSync, which was founded in 1984, primarily made TV commercials for music and film companies at that time and PWL were a big client. Having been introduced to the company through this connection, Merry joined LipSync in 1998 when the company moved to London’s Soho.
Phil Hunt, founder and chief executive of UK film investor and producer Head Gear Films, worked with Merry on more than 40 features including the upcoming Moss & Freud.
“Norman would go above and beyond to support the British film industry and – at a time of instability – he leaves a void that will be hard to fill,” said Hunt. “He loved his lunches, wine and beer, and was a wonderful part of this business. Norman was a true cornerstone of UK film.”
Merry is survived by his wife Gill and sons Garth and Grant.
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